Ski touring is often about timing. Sometimes you're left with nothing more than enduring endless hours of skinning, with riding so marginal that you wish you had of stayed in bed. Other times, all conditions are sublime and you are poised for the ski day of your life.
It has become a tradition to make the annual pilgrimage from the coast to the ski touring mecca of Rogers Pass. The scale and scope of the mountains mixed with snow quality make it a trip that many of my close skiing buddies are always up for. With fat skis and a big truck, we ventured to Glacier Park Lodge to hunker down for a week of touring.
The weather forecasts for the week showed snow everyday with light winds. Everything was lining up and our timing couldn’t have been better. Our group tends to seek the more adventurous areas, leaving the masses behind in search of the hidden gems of Rogers Pass. Sit back enjoy a week of powder skiing in Rogers pass.
Day 1 provided deep turns but only in the safety of the trees. Doesn't mean we didn't find quality snow.
Day 2 was looking even better as snow accumulation was slowing down and temperatures were dropping. We decided to test the water and venture out to some more exposed areas. As the day went on we gained confidence with the stability. Below was the result of some great route finding.
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| Bottomless, blower and stable. Snow so deep, it was up to our ears |
Day 2 ended with smiles all around and mentions of top 10 ski days of all time. Day 3 was trending to be another good day. With a large, warm storm expected in the forecast, timing would be key to milking another round of amazing runs.
We set off in the morning knowing a three hour skin awaited us. It could all be in vain if the storm came in quicker than expected. After an initial bushwhack and a skin track so steep that it would even send the Euro's running, we finally arrived. What was in store, none of us could have expected.
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| Relentless pillows and cold smoke fueled our day of faceshots |
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| My favourite saying: Steep and Deep!!! |
As we decended farther the group was grumbling about all time ski days. Where did this rank? It was high, top 3 for sure. When you look back at days like this you wonder if you can ever beat it. As time passes your memory of great days fades into the background. Just one week ago I had the best powder run of my life on the Coquihalla.
But this is what keeps us coming back. The hope, the anticipation and the possiblity of special days. What makes it even more special is sharing it with friends and capturing the smiles.
Rogers pass we thank you. For one of the best weeks of our life.
